Ichikawa Danjuro IX als Kezori Kyuemon 1898

This woodblock print, *Ichikawa Danjuro IX als Kezori Kyuemon*, by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) is an example of *yakusha-e*, a genre of Japanese art depicting actors in famous roles. The print depicts the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX (1838-1903) in the role of Kezori Kyuemon. Danjuro's intense expression and the intricate details of his costume, including the colorful dragons, are typical of Kunichika's style. The print was created in 1898 and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.